Having picked up a handful of Golden Globe and Emmy Awards for its first season, the critically acclaimed season two of The Handmaid’s Tale debuts exclusively on M-Net on Monday 2 July at 22:10. In an exploration of a dystopian society, this ground-breaking, harrowing drama was unanimously praised for its excellent cast, gripping plot and intricate examination of politics, religion and gender – astute social commentary in a modern world.

Golden Globe winner Elisabeth Moss reprises her role as Offred/June, a handmaid forced into sexual servitude as one of the few fertile women left in the world. Enduring unending abuse and oppression alongside her fellow handmaids, Offred’s survival depended upon the knowledge that both her husband and her daughter were alive and that she would one day be reunited with them. Though the end of season one gave little closure, season two opens with even less resolution: a now pregnant Offred must deal with the consequences of her decision to defy the sadistic matriarch of the handmaids, Aunt Lydia.

The fate of the other characters are no more certain than before: Serena Joy must cope with the choices she has made, while her husband, Commander Waterford works at diplomacy, something he will need in his own household following season one. Continuing to protect Offred, Nick finds roadblocks in his way as the Commander starts feeling threatened by the younger man. Season two will also detail the fates of the other handmaids’, as well as backstories of Emily, Offred’s former Handmaid companion.

Season one was heavily based on the acclaimed novel of the same name from celebrated author Margaret Atwood, and this season keeps up the tempo of its dark, compelling storytelling while unpacking this source material more.

Elisabeth Moss and Margaret Atwood also serve as producers for the dystopian drama and with Bruce Miller returning to direct episodes in season two.

The Handmaid’s Tale season two starts on M-Net on Monday 2 July at 22:10, additional airings are on Wednesdays from 02:00 onwards.

Also available on the following DStv Catch Up platforms - Explora and DStv Now. If you haven’t been captured by this riveting drama yet, season 1 will also air on M-Net Binge, on Saturday 7 July from 22:00, concluding on Sunday 8 July from 22:00.